U.S. patent number 7,713,182 [Application Number 11/936,066] was granted by the patent office on 2010-05-11 for exercise devices.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Edison Nation, LLC. Invention is credited to Daniel Lee Bizzell, Andrew Donati, Ryan Gorman, Chris Hoy, Todd Stancombe.
United States Patent |
7,713,182 |
Bizzell , et al. |
May 11, 2010 |
Exercise devices
Abstract
An exercise device comprises a frame, including a pair of
arcuate rails having a central curved portion, a first end, and a
second end. The pair of rails are disposed in fixed parallel
relation with one another with a first end member interconnecting
the first ends of the rails and a second end member interconnecting
the second ends of the rails. The exercise device further comprises
a platform operatively connected to the frame for supporting a
person thereon. The device may be oriented in various orientations
including: 1) a rocking orientation wherein the curved portions of
the pair of rails abut a surface on which the device is placed such
that the device may move in a rocking motion relative to the
surface and 2) a stationary orientation wherein the first end
member and the second end member abut the surface on which the
device is placed such that the device is stationary relative to the
surface.
Inventors: |
Bizzell; Daniel Lee (Davidson,
NC), Donati; Andrew (Charlotte, NC), Gorman; Ryan
(Charlotte, NC), Hoy; Chris (Charlotte, NC), Stancombe;
Todd (Charlotte, NC) |
Assignee: |
Edison Nation, LLC (Charlotte,
NC)
|
Family
ID: |
39360382 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/936,066 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2007 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20080108487 A1 |
May 8, 2008 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
60864437 |
Nov 6, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142; 482/79;
482/141; 482/140 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
23/0458 (20130101); A63B 21/0552 (20130101); A63B
21/0004 (20130101); A63B 21/00047 (20130101); A63B
2208/0204 (20130101); A63B 23/1236 (20130101); A63B
21/0442 (20130101); A63B 2023/006 (20130101); A63B
2071/027 (20130101); A63B 2208/0238 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
26/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;482/142,140,41,91,907,141,79,34 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
"International Search Report" and "Written Opinion" Serial No.
PCT/US2008/064815, dated Jun. 16, 2008, 9 pages, submitted by
Applicant on Oct. 26, 2009. cited by other.
|
Primary Examiner: Baker; Lori
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Tillman Wright, PLLC Tillman; Chad
D. Wright; James D.
Parent Case Text
The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application
of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to, U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/864,437, filed Nov. 6,
2006, which provisional patent application is incorporated by
reference herein.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise device, comprising: (a) a frame, including, (i) a
pair of spaced apart arcuate rails, each arcuate rail having a
central curved portion, a first end, and a second end, (ii) a first
end member interconnecting the first ends of the arcuate rails of
the frame, and (iii) a second end member interconnecting the second
ends of the arcuate rails of the frame; and (b) a platform
configured to receive and support a person on the exercise device,
the platform extending between and connected to the first and
second ends of the pair of arcuate rails; (c) wherein, (i) the
central curved portions of the pair of arcuate rails of the frame
protract from a first support surface of the platform such that the
central curved portions of the pair of arcuate rails of the frame
are configured to support the platform on a floor in a
configuration in which the exercise device is prone to end-to-end
rocking motion of the exercise device relative to the floor between
the first and second end members of the frame when a person is
received and supported on the first support surface of the
platform, (ii) the first and second end members of the frame
protract from a second support surface of the platform such that
the first and second end members of the frame are configured to
support the platform on the floor in a configuration in which the
exercise device is not prone to rocking motion relative to the
floor when a person is received and supported on the second support
surface of the platform, the first and second support surfaces
being on opposite sides of the platform, and (iii) the first and
second end members comprise a pair of hooks, each hook configured
to releasably receive a resistance band.
2. The exercise device of claim 1,wherein the first and second end
members comprise a pair of handles.
3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first and second end
members comprise two pairs of hooks, each hook configured to
releasably receive a resistance band.
4. An exercise device, comprising: (a) a frame, including, (i) a
pair of spaced apart arcuate rails, each arcuate rail having a
central curved portion, a first end, and a second end, (ii) a first
end member interconnecting the first ends of the arcuate rails of
the frame, and (iii) a second end member interconnecting the second
ends of the arcuate rails of the frame; and (b) a platform
configured to receive and support a person on the exercise device,
the platform extending between and connected to the first and
second ends of the pair of arcuate rails; (c) wherein, (i) the
central curved portions of the pair of arcuate rails of the frame
protract from a first support surface of the platform such that the
central curved portions of the pair of arcuate rails of the frame
are configured to support the platform on a floor in a
configuration in which the exercise device is prone to end-to-end
rocking motion of the exercise device relative to the floor between
the first and second end members of the frame when a person is
received and supported on the first support surface of the
platform, (ii) the first and second end members of the frame
protract from a second support surface of the platform such that
the first and second end members of the frame are configured to
support the platform on the floor in a configuration in which the
exercise device is not prone to rocking motion relative to the
floor when a person is received and supported on the second support
surface of the platform, the first and second support surfaces
being on opposite sides of the platform, and (iii) the central
curved portion of each respective arcuate rail is connected to the
first and second ends of the respective arcuate rail such that the
central curved portion is movable relative to the first and second
end portions between, (A) a curved position, in which the central
curved portions of the pair of arcuate rails of the frame protract
from the first support surface of the platform such that the
central curved portions of the pair of arcuate rails of the frame
are configured to support the platform on a floor in a
configuration in which the exercise device is prone to end-to-end
rocking motion of the exercise device relative to the floor between
the first and second end members of the frame when a person is
received and supported on the first support surface of the
platform, and (B) a release position, in which the central curved
portions of the pair of arcuate rails of the frame protract from
the second support surface of the platform such that the central
curved portions of the pair of arcuate rails of the frame are not
configured to support the platform on a floor.
5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the central curved
portion of each respective arcuate rail is connected to the first
and second ends of the respective arcuate rail such that the
central curved portion is rotatable relative to the first and
second end portions.
6. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the platform extends
between but is not directly connected to either of the arcuate
rails of the frame.
7. The exercise device of claim 4, further comprising locking
mechanisms configured to releasably lock the pair of arcuate rails
in the curved position, and wherein each locking mechanism includes
a button for releasing the arcuate rails for moving to the release
position.
8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the central curved
portions of the pair of arcuate rails of the frame protract from
the first support surface of the platform such that the central
curved portions of the pair of arcuate rails of the frame are
configured to support the platform on a floor in a configuration in
which the exercise device is prone to end-to-end rocking motion of
the exercise device relative to the floor between the first and
second end members of the frame, but is not prone to side-to-side
rocking motion of the exercise device relative to the floor, when a
person is received and supported on the first support surface of
the platform.
9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of
spaced apart arcuate rails defines a side surface of the exercise
device, each side surface being configured to support the exercise
device on a floor in a configuration in which the exercise device
is not prone to rocking motion relative to the floor and in which
the platform extends generally orthogonally to a plane of the
floor.
10. A method of exercising, comprising: (a) providing an exercise
device, comprising: (i) a pair of spaced apart arcuate portions,
(ii) a first end member interconnecting a first end of the pair of
arcuate portions, (iii) a second end member interconnecting a
second end of the pair of arcuate portions, (iv) a platform
configured to receive and support a person on the exercise device,
the pair of arcuate portions protracting from the platform such
that the arcuate portions are configured to support the platform on
a floor in a configuration in which the exercise device is prone to
end-to-end rocking motion of the exercise device relative to the
floor between the first and second end members, but is not prone to
side-to-side rocking motion of the exercise device relative to the
floor, and (v) a pair of resistance bands for exercising, each
resistance band including an elongate body having a hand grip at a
first end thereof and being connected at an opposite end thereof to
a respective one of the first and second end members of the
exercise device; (b) placing the exercise device on a floor such
that the pair of protracting arcuate portions support the platform
on the floor in a configuration in which the exercise device is
prone to end-to-end rocking motion of the exercise device relative
to the floor between the first and second end members, but is not
prone to side-to-side rocking motion of the exercise device
relative to the floor; (c) balancing one's self on the platform
while the exercise device is prone to end-to-end rocking motion of
the exercise device relative to the floor between the first and
second end members, but is not prone to side-to-side rocking motion
of the exercise device relative to the floor; (d) and while
balancing one's self on the platform, exercising with the
resistance bands; (e) turning the exercise device upside down on
the floor such that the first and second end members support the
exercise device on the floor in a stationary position wherein the
exercise device is not prone to rocking motion; (f) balancing one's
self on the platform while the exercise device is in the stationary
position; and (g) while balancing one's self on the platform,
exercising with the resistance bands.
11. A method of exercising, comprising: (a) providing an exercise
device, comprising: (i) a pair of spaced apart arcuate portions,
(ii) a first end portion interconnecting a first end of the pair of
arcuate portions, (iii) a second end portion interconnecting a
second end of the pair of arcuate portions, (iv) a platform
configured to receive and support a person on the exercise device,
the pair of arcuate portions protracting from the platform such
that the arcuate portions are configured to support the platform on
a floor in a configuration in which the exercise device is prone to
end-to-end rocking motion of the exercise device relative to the
floor between the first and second end portions, but is not prone
to side-to-side rocking motion of the exercise device relative to
the floor, and (v) a pair of resistance bands for exercising, each
resistance band including an elongate body having a hand grip at a
first end thereof and being connected at an opposite end thereof to
the exercise device and extending from a respective one of the
first and second end portions of the exercise device; (b) placing
the exercise device on a floor such that the pair of protracting
arcuate portions support the platform on the floor in a
configuration in which the exercise device is prone to end-to-end
rocking motion of the exercise device relative to the floor between
the first and second end portions, but is not prone to side-to-side
rocking motion of the exercise device relative to the floor; (c)
balancing one's self on the platform while the exercise device is
prone to end-to-end rocking motion of the exercise device relative
to the floor between the first and second end portions, but is not
prone to side-to-side rocking motion of the exercise device
relative to the floor; (d) and while balancing one's self on the
platform, exercising with the resistance bands; (e) wherein said
step of balancing one's self includes stepping onto the
platform.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein said step of balancing one's
self includes stepping onto the platform.
13. A method of exercising, comprising: (a) providing an exercise
device, comprising: (i) a pair of spaced apart arcuate portions,
(ii) a first end portion interconnecting a first end of the pair of
arcuate portions, (iii) a second end portion interconnecting a
second end of the pair of arcuate portions, (iv) a platform
configured to receive and support a person on the exercise device,
the pair of arcuate portions protracting from the platform such
that the arcuate portions are configured to support the platform on
a floor in a configuration in which the exercise device is prone to
end-to-end rocking motion of the exercise device relative to the
floor between the first and second end portions, but is not prone
to side-to-side rocking motion of the exercise device relative to
the floor, and (v) a pair of resistance bands for exercising, each
resistance band including an elongate body having a hand grip at a
first end thereof and being connected at an opposite end thereof to
the exercise device and extending from a respective one of the
first and second end portions of the exercise device; (b) placing
the exercise device on a floor such that the pair of protracting
arcuate portions support the platform on the floor in a
configuration in which the exercise device is prone to end-to-end
rocking motion of the exercise device relative to the floor between
the first and second end portions, but is not prone to side-to-side
rocking motion of the exercise device relative to the floor; (c)
balancing one's self on the platform while the exercise device is
prone to end-to-end rocking motion of the exercise device relative
to the floor between the first and second end portions, but is not
prone to side-to-side rocking motion of the exercise device
relative to the floor; (d) and while balancing one's self on the
platform, exercising with the resistance bands; (e) wherein said
step of balancing one's self includes sitting on the platform.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein said step of balancing one's
self includes sitting on the platform.
Description
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright
protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other
countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile
reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent
disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but,
otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to an exercise device, and
more particularly to a versatile exercise device capable of
supporting a user thereon for performing various exercises.
Exercise devices are known that are intended to provide balance and
strength training for a person's core muscles, i.e., the muscles of
the abdomen and back that are often associated with providing
balance, stability and a straight posture. Such devices often
include an unsteady platform member upon which a person is to stand
and attempt to keep his or her balance. The platform may rotate,
tilt, twist or move in some combination of these motions or some
other motion that tends to make the user unsteady on the platform.
By regaining balance, a person is exercising his core muscles.
Examples of patents disclosing an exercise device for core
strengthening or balance devices include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,183,521
and 7,008,359.
In addition, exercise devices are known that provide a step device
upon which a person may step on and step off in order to perform
cardiovascular exercises. Such step devices may be used for various
other strength training devices as will be obvious to one of
ordinary skill in the art upon viewing such devices. These step
devices may include the ability to adjust the height of the step or
may include a step surface that includes a cushion or some other
resilient surface upon which a user will step. Examples of patents
disclosing exercise devices providing a step device include U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,683,331 and 5,562,575. U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2006/0040796 also discloses an exercise device
providing a step.
While these devices perform their intended functions, a need exists
for a more versatile exercise device that enables a person to have
a complete workout experience with a single device, i.e., a single
device that may be used for stretching, core strength training,
balance training, cardiovascular exercise, and strength
training.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes many aspects and features.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to an
exercise device. The exercise device comprises a frame, including a
pair of arcuate rails having a central curved portion, a first end,
and a second end. The pair of rails are disposed in fixed parallel
relation with one another with a first end member interconnecting
the first ends of the rails and a second end member interconnecting
the second ends of the rails. The device further comprises a
platform operatively connected to the frame for supporting a person
thereon. The device may be oriented in various orientations,
including: a rocking orientation wherein the curved portions of the
pair of rails abut a surface on which the device is placed such
that the device may move in a rocking motion relative to the
surface, and a stationary orientation wherein the first end member
and the second end member abut the surface on which the device is
placed such that the device is stationary relative to the
surface.
In a feature of this aspect, the exercise device includes a pair of
handles. In an additional feature, the exercise device includes a
pair of hooks. In accordance with this feature, the exercise device
includes two pairs of hooks.
In an additional feature, each rail of the pair of rails may
alternate between a plurality of positions. With further regard to
this feature, one of the plurality of positions is a curved
position. In accordance with this feature, one of the plurality of
positions is a release position.
In a further feature, each rail of the pair of rails includes a
button. In another feature, the platform has a first end, a second
end, and a generally planar central portion. In addition, the first
end of the platform is connected to the frame near the first end of
the frame, and the second end of the platform is connected to the
frame near the second end of the frame.
In a second aspect, an exercise device comprises a pair of arcuate
rails having a central curved portion, a first end, and a second
end. The pair of rails are disposed in fixed parallel relation with
one another with a first end member interconnecting the first ends
of the rails and a second end member interconnecting the second
ends of the rails. The central curved portions are operative in one
of a plurality of positions, including: a curved position, wherein
the curved portions of the rails follow the arcuate curvature of
the pair of rails, and a release position, wherein the curved
portions of the rails are shifted directionally away from the
arcuate curvature of the pair of rails such that they form curved
dips in each rail of the pair of rails, respectively.
In a feature of this aspect, the device further includes a button
on each rail of the pair of rails. With regard to this feature, the
buttons are used to move the central curved portions of the rails
between the plurality of positions.
In a third aspect, an exercise device comprises a frame and a
platform centrally supported by the frame for receipt of a person
thereon for exercising. The device may be oriented in various
orientations, including: a rocking orientation wherein the device
may move in a rocking motion relative to a surface on which the
device is placed, and a stationary orientation wherein the device
is stationary relative to the surface on which it is placed.
A method of exercising with the exercise device includes beginning
exercising by standing on the platform in the stationary
orientation, beginning exercising by sitting on the platform in the
stationary orientation, beginning exercising by standing on the
platform in the rocking orientation, beginning exercising by
sitting on the platform in the rocking orientation, grasping a
portion of the frame while exercising using the device, and using
an exercise band in combination with the device.
In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the
present invention, it should be noted that the present invention
further includes the various possible combinations of such aspects
and features. Examples of such combinations are illustrated in the
detailed description set forth below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will
be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference
numerals, and wherein,
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise device in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention, in a rocking
orientation;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1, in a
stationary orientation;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 3 with
the rails in an alternative position;
FIG. 5 is a side view of the exercise device of FIG. 4;
FIGS. 6A-6Z are photographs illustrating various exercise positions
that may be performed with the exercise device of the present
invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exercise device in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention, in a stationary
orientation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one
having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan") that
the present invention has broad utility and application.
Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being
"preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated
for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may
be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a
full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover,
many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications,
and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the
embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the
present invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in
detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not
intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be
defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not
intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present
invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found
herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps
of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the
appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein
refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such
term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To
the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood by
the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, "a" and
"an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not exclude a
plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus,
reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a picnic
basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic basket
having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket having a
single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at least
one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items of the
list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of
the present invention are next described. The following description
of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature
and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its applications,
or uses.
Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, which are illustrative views of an
exercise device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the exercise device 10 comprises a frame 12 and a
platform 14. The frame 12 includes a pair of arcuate rails 16
having a central curved portion 18, a first end 20, and a second
end 22. The pair of rails 16 are disposed in fixed parallel
relation with one another. A first end member 24 of the frame 12
interconnects the first ends 20 of the rails 16, and a second end
member 26 of the frame 12 interconnects the second ends 22 of the
rails 16. The end members 24,26 are relatively narrow rail-like
members that are fixedly connected at ends thereof to the ends
20,22 of the arcuate rails 16. The end members 24,26 generally have
a rounded rectangular cross-section, i.e., the corners of the
rectangular cross-section are rounded, near a central portion
thereof and then taper near the ends thereof. Generally, a right
angle is formed at the connection point between the end members
24,26 and the rails 16, however, the connection point is rounded
rather than sharp in order to make the device 10 more aesthetically
pleasing and more safe for users. It is contemplated that each of
the end members 24,26 may have a central grasping area 27 that is
slightly recessed or composed of a different material than the rest
of the end member 24,26 such that a user may more easily grasp the
end member 24,26.
The platform 14 is generally rectangular in shape and has a first
end 28, a second end 30, and a generally planar central portion 32.
The first end 28 of the platform 14 is fixedly connected to the
frame 12 near the first end 20 of the frame 12, and the second end
30 of the platform 14 is fixedly connected to the frame 12 near the
second end 22 of the frame 12. The platform 14 interconnects the
rails 16 of the frame 12 and is arranged such that it may support a
person thereon. More particularly, a horizontal plane of the
central portion 32 of the platform 14 is orthogonal to a vertical
plane of each of the rails 16, with the width of the central
portion 32 of the platform 14 substantially spanning the distance
between the rails 16 of the frame 12. The width of the platform 14
broadens near the ends 28,30 thereof to enable the platform 14 to
connect to the frame 12. While the central portion 32 of the
platform 14 is generally planar, the ends 28,30 of the platform 14
curve to mimic the curvature of the rails 16 to enable the ends
28,30 of the platform 14 to connect with the frame 12 without
obstructing the central portion 32. With this connection
arrangement, the area available on the central portion 32 of the
platform 14 is not compromised or obstructed by connecting the
platform 14 to the frame 12. Therefore, a maximum available area is
provided by the platform 14 for a person to use when exercising
with the device 10.
The exercise device 10 may be used in various orientations. Such
orientations include: 1) a rocking orientation 34 wherein the
curved portions 18 of the pair of rails 16 are resting on a surface
on which the device 10 is placed, such that the device 10 may move
in a rocking motion relative to the surface and 2) a stationary
orientation 36 wherein the first end member 24 and the second end
member 26 are resting on the surface on which the device 10 is
placed such that the device 10 is stationary relative to the
surface. Typically, the surface on which the device 10 is placed is
a floor.
FIGS. 1 and 2 show the exercise device 10 in the rocking
orientation 34. When the device 10 is in the rocking orientation
34, the end members 24,26 are pointed upwardly away from the
surface on which in the device 10 is placed, and a surface of the
platform 14 is available for support of a person using the device
10, the rocking orientation surface. In general, the side of the
device 10 that is facing upwardly, away from the surface on which
the device is placed when the device 10 is in the rocking
orientation 34 is the rocking side of the device 10.
In the rocking orientation 34, a pair of handles 40,42 that are
integrally connected to the rocking side of the frame 12 are
readily accessible to a person using the device 10. A first handle
40 is disposed substantially adjacent the first end 28 of the
platform 14, near the first end 20 of the frame 12; and a second
handle 42 is disposed substantially adjacent the second end 30 of
the platform 14, near a second end 22 of the frame 12. Each of the
handles 40,42 has a grasping portion 44 and two arm portions 46
integrally connected to the grasping portion 44 in general
orthogonal relation therewith at ends of the grasping portion 44.
The grasping portions 44 of the handles 40,42 are similar in
configuration to the end members 24,26 of the frame 12, i.e., the
grasping portions 44 are relatively narrow rail-like members with a
central area having a generally rounded rectangular cross-section
and then taper near ends thereof. It is contemplated that a central
portion of the grasping portion 44 of each of the handles 40,42 is
slightly recessed or composed of a different material than the rest
of the handle 40,42 such that a user may more easily grasp the
handle 40,42. The arm portions 46 of the handles 40,42 integrally
connect the handles 40,42 to the frame 12. The handles 40,42 are
connected to the frame 12 such that horizontal planes of the
handles 40,42 are generally parallel with the surface on which the
exercise device 10 is placed when the device 10 is at rest in the
rocking orientation 34. If a person is using the device 10 in the
rocking orientation 34, it may be tilted along the rails 16 such
that the handles 40,42 are no longer parallel with the surface.
FIG. 3 shows the device 10 in the stationary orientation 36. When
the device 10 is in the stationary orientation 36, the central
curved portion 18 of the rails 16 are pointed upwardly away from
the surface, and a surface of the platform 14 is available for
support of a person using the device 10, the stationary orientation
surface. In general, the side of the device 10 that is facing
upwardly, away from the surface on which the device 10 is placed
when the device 10 is in the stationary orientation 36 is the
stationary side of the device 10.
In the stationary orientation 36, two pairs of hooks 48,49 are
connected to the stationary side of the frame 12 such that they are
readily accessible to a user. A first pair of hooks 48 is disposed,
one on each rail 16, substantially adjacent the first end 28 of the
platform 14, near the first end 20 of the frame 12; and a second
pair of hooks 49 is disposed, one on each rail 16, substantially
adjacent the second end 30 of the platform 14, near a second end 22
of the frame 12. Each of the hooks 48,49 is generally T-shaped with
a vertical member 50 of the T connecting the hook 48,49 to its
respective rail 16 and ends of the cross member 52 of the T being
curved toward the respective rail 16 of the hook 48,49. Although
the hooks 48,49 are readily accessible when the device 10 is in the
stationary orientation 36, they are also accessible and may be used
when the device 10 is in any orientation. It is contemplated that
the hooks 48,49 will be used to operatively connect auxiliary
exercise tools with the device 10 for use when exercising. Examples
of auxiliary devices include, but are not limited to, exercise
bands, tubes, and cords.
The rails 16 of the frame 12 are capable of alternating between two
operative positions, which are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. More
particularly, the central portions 18 of the rails 16 may alternate
between one of two positions: a curved position 54 and a release
position 56. FIG. 3 shows the rails 16 in the curved position 54.
In the curved position 54, the curved portions 18 of the rails 16
follow the arcuate curvature of the pair of rails 16. The curved
position 54 is particularly useful when the device 10 is in the
rocking orientation 34. In fact, the curved position 54 enables
rocking of the device 10.
FIG. 4 shows the rails 16 in the release position 56. In the
release position 56, the curved portions 18 of the rails 16 are
shifted directionally away from the arcuate curvature of the pair
of rails 16 such that they form curved dips in each rail 16 of the
pair of rails 16, respectively. The release position 56 is
particularly useful when the device 10 is in the stationary
orientation 36 because the curved portions 18 of the rails 16 would
obstruct access to the platform 14 if the rails 16 remained in the
curved position 54. When the curved portions 54 are shifted to the
release position 56, they are folded away from the platform 14
surface thereby providing unobstructed access to it.
To enable switching of the curved portions 18 between the curved
position 54 and the release position 56, a release button 58 is
disposed on each of the curved portions 18 of the rails 16. When
the curved portion 18 is in the curved position 54, the button 58
is disposed on the rocking side of the device 10. Therefore, when
the device 10 is in the rocking orientation 34 and the curved
portion 18 is in the curved position 54, the button 58 is facing
upwardly away from the surface on which the device 10 is placed. As
such, the button 58 will not be accidentally depressed by the
surface when the device 10 is rocking back and forth on the
surface.
When the curved portion 18 transitions to the release position 56,
it folds such that the button 58 is disposed on the stationary side
of the device 10. Therefore, when the device 10 is in the
stationary orientation 36 and the curved portion 18 is in the
release position 56, the button 58 is facing upwardly away from the
surface on which the device 10 is placed. This enables a user to
easily access the button 58 to switch the curved portion 18 to the
curved position 54. It is contemplated that the button 58 may be
arranged on the curved portion 18 such that it is recessed into the
rail 16 at the curved portion 18 thereof. This recessed placement
may further protect the button 58 from being inadvertently
depressed and may be more aesthetically pleasing.
To enable alternating between the curved position 54 and the
release position 56, the curved portions 18 of the rails 16 are
connected to remaining portions of the rails 16 with a connection
mechanism that enables the curved portion 18 to pivot relative to
the remaining portions of the rails 16. When the curved portion 18
is pivoting between the curved position 54 and the release position
56, it bows such that that the release button 58 is facing the
platform 14 as the curved portion 18 moves between positions 54,56.
It is contemplated that the rails 16 may have a third position,
wherein the curved portion 18 is arranged such that it is generally
horizontally aligned with the platform 14.
It is desirable for the frame 12 and platform 14 to be constructed
of a sturdy, but lightweight material. It is contemplated that the
frame 12 and platform 14 will be constructed of plastic. An example
includes low density polypropylene. In addition, the frame 12 may
be constructed of nylon filled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
(ABS) or aluminum.
The exercise device 10 is incredibly versatile and may be used for
various kinds of exercise including stretching, core training,
cardiovascular training and general strength training. FIGS. 6A-6Z
are photographs illustrating various exercise positions that may be
performed on an exercise device of the present invention. The
device used in the photographs is an alternative embodiment of the
exercise device. Although, the embodiment used in the photographs
is not the device 10 described fully herein, it includes the
functional features of device 10. Each of the exercises shown in
the photographs may be performed with the device 10.
Many stretching exercises may be performed with the device 10 when
it is in the stationary orientation 36. For example, a person may
use the platform 14 to do calf stretches and hamstring stretches by
placing a foot on the platform 14 and stretching accordingly. In
addition, a person may lie with his or her back across the platform
14 to stretch his or her back.
Many core training exercises may be performed with the device 10
when it is in the rocking orientation 34. A person may step onto
and off of the platform 14 in a forward and backward direction and
in a side to side direction. A person may place his or her hands on
the handles 40,42 or on the end members 24,26 and do push ups while
rocking the device 10 or simply trying to keep the device 10 from
rocking. In addition, a person may stand on the platform 14 and
perform various arm exercises such as bicep curls, rows, shoulder
presses, and the like with exercise bands 77. In this scenario, the
person is exercising his arms with the band but also exercising his
core by keeping the device 10 from rocking while performing the arm
exercises. Similarly, a person may sit on the platform 14 and
perform similar exercises with an exercise band 77.
The device 10 may used in the stationary orientation 36 as a step
device for performing step aerobic-type exercises. However, simply
stepping up and down, on to and off of the platform 14 provides a
cardiovascular workout.
The device 10 may be used in the stationary orientation 36 to
perform various forms of sit up exercises for strength training
purposes. In addition, a person may perform push up exercises with
the device 10 in the stationary orientation 36 for strength
training purposes.
Further, the device 10 may be used in other orientations than the
rocking orientation 34 and the stationary orientation 36. For
example, the device 10 may be turned on its side, such that the
platform 14 is orthogonal to the surface on which the device 10 is
placed. In this side orientation, a person may place his or her
feet on the platform 14, connect an exercise band to the device 10
and perform various pulling arm exercises with the band.
Additionally, a person may sit with his back to the device 10,
place his hands on a rail 16 of the device 10 with his legs
outstretched in front of him, and perform dip exercises to
strengthen his tricep muscles.
The list of exercises provided herein is simply exemplary, and is
not exhaustive of the numerous exercises that can be performed with
the exercise device 10.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exercise device 100 in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The
exercise device 100 comprises a frame 102 and a platform 104. The
frame 102 includes a pair of arcuate rails 106 having a central
curved portion 108, a first end 110, and a second end 112. The pair
of rails 106 are disposed in fixed parallel relation with one
another. A first end member 114 of the frame 102 interconnects the
first end 110 of the rails 106, and a second end member 116 of the
frame 102 interconnects the second end 112 of the rails 106. The
end members 114,116 are relatively narrow rail-like members that
are fixedly connected at ends thereof to the ends of the arcuate
rails 106. Generally, a right angle is formed at the connection
point between the end members 114,116 and the rails 106, however,
the connection point is rounded rather than sharp in order to make
the device 100 more aesthetically pleasing and more safe for
users.
The platform 104 is generally rectangular in shape and has a first
end 118, a second end 120, and a generally planar central portion
122. The platform 104 is supported by a pair of cross connection
bars 124, which are connected to the first end 118 and the second
end 120 of the platform 104, respectively, and are fixedly
connected to the frame 102 in orthogonal relation thereto.
Therefore, the platform 104 is arranged such that it may support a
person thereon between the rails 106 of the frame 102. A horizontal
plane of the central portion 122 of the platform 104 is orthogonal
to a vertical plane of each of the rails 106, with the width of the
central portion 122 of the platform 104 substantially spanning the
distance between the rails 106 of the frame 102. The device 100
includes a pair of handles 128 integrally connected to the frame
102 in a similar manner as the handles 40,42 of device 10.
This device 100 is intended to be more simple in design than the
previously described device 10, and therefore, less costly to
manufacture. Accordingly, this device 100 does not include the
pairs of hooks. Further, this device 100 does not included the
ability to alternate the curved central portions of the rails
between the curved position and the release position. Therefore,
the rails 106 do not include release buttons.
This device 100 has an additional feature that is not included in
device 10. The device 100 includes a pair of grip bars 126 fixedly
connected and in orthogonal relation to the frame 104. The grips
bars 126 are disposed with one on the first end side of the frame
102 and the other on the second end side of the frame 102, with
each being located intermediate to one of the cross connection bars
124 and an end member 114,116. In particular, each of the grip bars
126 is connected to the frame 102 such that it is aligned with the
horizontal plane of a corresponding one of the handles 128.
Despite the removal of features as compared to device 10, this
device 100 retains much of the functionality provided by device 10.
As such, many of the exercises that can be performed using device
10 may also be performed using this device 100.
The exercise device 10,100 provides a more versatile exercise
device that enables a person to have a complete workout experience
with a single device, i.e., a single device that may be used for
stretching, core strengthen training, balance training,
cardiovascular exercise and strength training. A user may exercise
with the device 10,100 at home for a complete workout experience at
home or may exercise with the device 10,100 at a gym or workout
facility. In addition, the device 10,100 is ideal for a group
workout class wherein participants want a full range of exercise
activities. The device 10,100 is compact and lightweight, so it is
easy to use in small spaces and easy to transport.
Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood
by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is
susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and
adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically
described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and
equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably
suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions
thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the
present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has
been described herein in detail in relation to one or more
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure
is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is
made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling
disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not
intended to be construed to limit the present invention or
otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations,
variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present
invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *